Russian missiles and drones targeted roughly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure assets on Wednesday, causing major damage to three Soviet-era thermal power plants and widespread blackouts, according to officials. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Three days of fuel left to sustain health services in Gaza: WHO

The US delayed a weapon supply to Israel last week after it failed to answer Washington's concerns about plans to assault Rafah in southern Gaza, a senior US official said Tuesday. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns, 'won't send weapons if Rafah is invaded'

Ever since the war started Palestinians have been suffering day in and day out. Every day is like a nightmare for the people alive, their homes have been destroyed their livelihoods have been snatched and adding to the wars of the Gazan's major hospitals have been turned into ruins. Watch in for more details!

A Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war.&nbsp;

In a statement, Ezzat al-Rishq said that Israel's military operations in Rafah and its border crossing "aim to obstruct the efforts of the mediators". He further added that Hamas, however, was still committed to "accepting the (ceasefire) proposal presented by the mediators".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported that Hamas and Israeli negotiators left Cairo Thursday "after a two-day round of negotiations" for the truce.&nbsp;

Citing a high-level Egyptian source, the media outlet reported that the efforts by Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators "are ongoing to bring the two sides' points of view closer".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-trinity-college-dublin-agrees-to-students-demand-of-divesting-from-israeli-firms-719608">Pro-Palestinian protests: Trinity College Dublin to divest from Israeli firms</a>&nbsp;

Amid truce talks, a heavy plume of smoke was seen coming out of northern Gaza on Thursday shortly before humanitarian aid was airdropped into the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a report by the news agency reuters, footage filmed from southern Israel showed several destroyed buildings including a mosque.&nbsp;Nearby in southern Israel, Israeli soldiers and tanks were deployed.&nbsp;

<h2>UK calls for 'clear plan' for Rafah&nbsp;</h2>

On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron issued a message to Israel, stating that the United Kingdom will not back the Rafah operation "without a clear plan to save lives".&nbsp;

Cameron indicated that the UK would not follow the United States in warning Israel that it would halt sales of arms that could be used in an assault on the Gaza city of Rafah.&nbsp;

While speaking to the reporters after a speech in which he urged NATO partners to boost defence spending that there was "a very fundamental difference" between the UK and the US.&nbsp;

He said, "The US is a massive state supplier of weapons to Israel. We do not have a UK government supply of weapons to Israel, we have a number of licences, and I think our defence exports to Israel are responsible for significantly less than one per cent of their total.

"That is a big difference," Cameron added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-just-wrong-biden-issues-most-direct-warning-to-israel-against-rafah-invasion-719507">Israel reacts to Biden's most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Aid departs from Cyprus&nbsp;</h2>

Cyprus' foreign minister said that a shipment of humanitarian aid left a port in Cyprus on Thursday morning and was on its way to the US-built pier in Gaza. It was the first delivery to the newly built ramp.&nbsp;

The officials said that the US-flagged Sagamore left the port of Larnaca in the morning. US officials have said the vessel will be used to offload supplies onto a floating pier built to expedite aid into the besieged enclave.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US halts weapons shipment to Israel amid concern over Rafah invasion

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Cyprus opened a sea channel in March to send aid directly to Gaza, where land deliveries have been severely hampered by border closures and Israel's military operation.&nbsp;

The US military has been constructing a temporary pier to boost aid deliveries to Gaza. The Pentagon said on April 29 that cost of the construction will cost Washington at least $320 million.&nbsp;

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told journalists, "That's about our rough estimate right now, approximately $320 million." Singh added, "That's an initial cost for the temporary pier."&nbsp;

Once the pier is constructed, aid will be transported via commercial vessels to a floating platform miles off the Gaza coast. After that, it will be transferred to smaller vessels, brought to the pier and taken to land by truck for distribution.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war.

A Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war. In a statement, Ezzat al-Rishq said that Israel's military operations in Rafah and its border crossing "aim to obstruct the efforts of the mediators". He further added that Hamas, however, was still committed to "accepting the (ceasefire) proposal presented by the mediators". Meanwhile, Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported that Hamas and Israeli negotiators left Cairo Thursday "after a two-day round of negotiations" for the truce. Citing a high-level Egyptian source, the media outlet reported that the efforts by Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators "are ongoing to bring the two sides' points of view closer". Also read: Pro-Palestinian protests: Trinity College Dublin to divest from Israeli firms Amid truce talks, a heavy plume of smoke was seen coming out of northern Gaza on Thursday shortly before humanitarian aid was airdropped into the area. In a report by the news agency reuters, footage filmed from southern Israel showed several destroyed buildings including a mosque. Nearby in southern Israel, Israeli soldiers and tanks were deployed. UK calls for 'clear plan' for Rafah On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron issued a message to Israel, stating that the United Kingdom will not back the Rafah operation "without a clear plan to save lives". Cameron indicated that the UK would not follow the United States in warning Israel that it would halt sales of arms that could be used in an assault on the Gaza city of Rafah. While speaking to the reporters after a speech in which he urged NATO partners to boost defence spending that there was "a very fundamental difference" between the UK and the US. He said, "The US is a massive state supplier of weapons to Israel. We do not have a UK government supply of weapons to Israel, we have a number of licences, and I think our defence exports to Israel are responsible for significantly less than one per cent of their total. "That is a big difference," Cameron added. Also read: Israel reacts to Biden's most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion Aid departs from Cyprus Cyprus' foreign minister said that a shipment of humanitarian aid left a port in Cyprus on Thursday morning and was on its way to the US-built pier in Gaza. It was the first delivery to the newly built ramp. The officials said that the US-flagged Sagamore left the port of Larnaca in the morning. US officials have said the vessel will be used to offload supplies onto a floating pier built to expedite aid into the besieged enclave. Watch: US halts weapons shipment to Israel amid concern over Rafah invasion × Cyprus opened a sea channel in March to send aid directly to Gaza, where land deliveries have been severely hampered by border closures and Israel's military operation. The US military has been constructing a temporary pier to boost aid deliveries to Gaza. The Pentagon said on April 29 that cost of the construction will cost Washington at least $320 million. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told journalists, "That's about our rough estimate right now, approximately $320 million." Singh added, "That's an initial cost for the temporary pier." Once the pier is constructed, aid will be transported via commercial vessels to a floating platform miles off the Gaza coast. After that, it will be transferred to smaller vessels, brought to the pier and taken to land by truck for distribution. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary - Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil

US warns halting of arms supply to Israel | Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Stormy Daniels testifies against Trump - Students protests spread to Europe

US pauses bomb shipment to Israel | Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia

In another effort to forge a hostage release and Truce in the seven-month war delegations from Hamas and Israel are back at the negotiation table in Cairo. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, said the Israeli military’s operations in Rafah will "continue and expand as necessary". Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel tanks take control of Gaza side of Rafah border

In another effort to forge a hostage release and Truce in the seven-month war delegations from Hamas and Israel are back at the negotiation table in Cairo. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza truce negotiators arrive in Cairo

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo - Students protests spread to Europe - Patients and medics flee major Rafah hospital - Trump documents trial postponed

Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo | Students protests spread to Europe

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu calls seizing Rafah crossing an important step

The United States has halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns that it was planning to launch a full-scale attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel over Rafah concerns

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troops, tanks take control of Gazan side of Rafah crossing

Israel-Hamas war: US halts bomb shipment to Israel, move comes amid Israeli strikes on Rafah

Israeli forces on Tuesday (May 7) seized control of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Tanks pushed into Rafah, marking it Israel's first ground incursion into the southern Gazan city. The Rafah crossing is the main entry point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

The United Nations said that the Israeli authorities have denied access to it.&nbsp;Wael Abu Omar, who is a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said the crossing&nbsp;was out of service.&nbsp;

"The whole western area (of Rafah) has become a theatre of operations since yesterday. The bombardment has not stopped," said Abu Omar as reported by the news agencies.&nbsp;

He added that crews have fled the facilities because of the bombing.&nbsp;Omar added that the travel and the flow of aid into the Strip via Rafah have "stopped completely".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-live-updates-israel-says-it-has-captured-palestinian-side-of-rafah-crossing-718823">Gaza war: Palestinian Authority calls on US to 'intervene immediately'</a>

Hamas said on Monday that it had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, and later accused Israel of trying to undermine the truce talks taking place in Cairo by mounting the offensive.&nbsp;

The ground invasion began a day after Israel warned Palestinians in the area to evacuate. More than one million people sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment in Rafah, and the military's thrust was said to be catastrophic amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation.&nbsp;

People took refuge in Rafah. They were living in tented camps and makeshift shelters. On being ordered by the Israeli side, many are trying to leave. But they have nowhere safe to go.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-times-reuters-win-pulitzer-prizes-for-hamass-oct-7-attack-and-israeli-response-718827">New York Times, Reuters win Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hamas's Oct 7 attack and Israeli response</a>

In army footage, tanks with Israeli flags were seen taking "operational control" of the Palestinian side of the border crossing, in a deployment that had a "very limited scope against very specific targets".&nbsp;

Rafah was also rocked by heavy bombardments overnight, with the Kuwaiti hospital saying that 23 people were killed. The Najjar hospital said another four people were killed, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and planes also attacked several areas and houses there overnight. The Gaza health ministry said Israeli strikes across the enclave had killed 54 Palestinians and wounded 96 others in the past 24 hours.

The Israeli military said a limited operation in Rafah was meant to kill fighters and dismantle infrastructure used by Hamas, which governs Gaza.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>UN on Rafah crossing</h2>

Jens Laerke, who is the spokesman for the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA, said there was only a one-day buffer of fuel to run humanitarian operations inside the besieged Palestinian territory.&nbsp;

"We currently do not have any physical presence at the&nbsp;Rafah&nbsp;crossing as our access... has been denied by COGAT," he said, referring to the Israeli agency that oversees supplies into the Palestinian territories.

"We have been told there will be no crossings of personnel or goods in or out for the time being. That has a massive impact on how much stock do we have."

"There's a very, very short buffer of one day of fuel available."

"As fuel only comes in through&nbsp;Rafah, the one day buffer is for the entire operation in Gaza."

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces on Tuesday (May 7) seized control of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Tanks pushed into Rafah, marking it Israel's first ground incursion into the southern Gazan city.

Israeli forces on Tuesday (May 7) seized control of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Tanks pushed into Rafah, marking it Israel's first ground incursion into the southern Gazan city. The Rafah crossing is the main entry point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The United Nations said that the Israeli authorities have denied access to it. Wael Abu Omar, who is a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said the crossing was out of service. "The whole western area (of Rafah) has become a theatre of operations since yesterday. The bombardment has not stopped," said Abu Omar as reported by the news agencies. He added that crews have fled the facilities because of the bombing. Omar added that the travel and the flow of aid into the Strip via Rafah have "stopped completely". Also read: Gaza war: Palestinian Authority calls on US to 'intervene immediately' Hamas said on Monday that it had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, and later accused Israel of trying to undermine the truce talks taking place in Cairo by mounting the offensive. The ground invasion began a day after Israel warned Palestinians in the area to evacuate. More than one million people sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment in Rafah, and the military's thrust was said to be catastrophic amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation. People took refuge in Rafah. They were living in tented camps and makeshift shelters. On being ordered by the Israeli side, many are trying to leave. But they have nowhere safe to go. Also read: New York Times, Reuters win Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hamas's Oct 7 attack and Israeli response In army footage, tanks with Israeli flags were seen taking "operational control" of the Palestinian side of the border crossing, in a deployment that had a "very limited scope against very specific targets". Rafah was also rocked by heavy bombardments overnight, with the Kuwaiti hospital saying that 23 people were killed. The Najjar hospital said another four people were killed, AFP reported. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and planes also attacked several areas and houses there overnight. The Gaza health ministry said Israeli strikes across the enclave had killed 54 Palestinians and wounded 96 others in the past 24 hours. The Israeli military said a limited operation in Rafah was meant to kill fighters and dismantle infrastructure used by Hamas, which governs Gaza. Watch this report: × UN on Rafah crossing Jens Laerke, who is the spokesman for the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA, said there was only a one-day buffer of fuel to run humanitarian operations inside the besieged Palestinian territory. "We currently do not have any physical presence at the Rafah crossing as our access... has been denied by COGAT," he said, referring to the Israeli agency that oversees supplies into the Palestinian territories. "We have been told there will be no crossings of personnel or goods in or out for the time being. That has a massive impact on how much stock do we have." "There's a very, very short buffer of one day of fuel available." "As fuel only comes in through Rafah, the one day buffer is for the entire operation in Gaza." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanitarian aid flow impacted as Israeli forces take control of Gaza side of Rafah crossing

Militant group Hamas accepted a proposal for a truce to put forward by mediators Qatar & Egypt in the seven-month-old war in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas accepts Qatari-Egyptian proposal for Gaza ceasefire

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - India votes in Phase 3 today - Hamas accepts Gaza truce proposal - Biden again warns Netanyahu of Rafah - Trump warned of jailtime by judge

India votes in Phase 3 today | Hamas accepts Gaza truce proposal

Militant group Hamas accepted a proposal for a truce to put forward by mediators Qatar & Egypt in the seven-month-old war in Gaza. This developments comes as Israel renewed an order for civilians in Rafah to evacuate ahead of a long threatened invasion of the city. The Proposal includes three phases of ceasefire each lasting for 42 days. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: UN Chief warns invasion of Rafah will be 'intolerable'

Hamas said on Monday (May 6) that it had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, hours after Israel announced a plan to evacuate 100,000 Palestinians from Rafah, hinting at starting its offensive after nearly seven months of war.

Hamas said on Monday (May 6) that it had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, hours after Israel announced a plan to evacuate 100,000 Palestinians from Rafah, hinting at starting its offensive after nearly seven months of war. Hamas did not share the terms of the truce formally, but a senior Hamas member Khalil al-Hayya said on Monday that the proposal includes a three-stage truce with the goal of a lasting ceasefire. Hayya divulged details to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel, stating that each phase would last 42 days. According to him, the deal includes plans for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. the deal would also guarantee the return of Palestinians displaced by the ongoing war, with the aim of a "permanent ceasefire". Also read: Israeli jets strike two Rafah areas ahead of ground invasion: Hamas Hamas's announcement came moments after the White House said that US President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement published on its official website, the militant group said, "Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of Hamas movement, conducted a telephone call with the prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and with the Egyptian intelligence minister, Mr Abbas Kamel, and informed them of Hamas's approval of their proposal regarding a ceasefire agreement." After the announcement, a senior Hamas official said that Israel must decide whether it accepts or "obstructs" a truce in Gaza. While speaking to the news agency AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said, "After Hamas agreed to the mediators' proposal for a ceasefire, the ball is now in the court of Israeli occupation, whether it will agree to the ceasefire agreement or obstruct it." Also read: Putin’s nuclear drills orders response to ‘unprecedented’ comments from West: Kremlin Meanwhile, the Times of Israel reported that Israeli officials have warned against accepting the announcement made by the Palestine-based militant group. Israel cautioned that the offer Hamas says it accepted is not the one it agreed to. Officials told networks Kan, 12 and 13 that the terms Hamas accepted are different to what Israel agreed to. The offer Hamas has accepted is apparently made unilaterally by Egypt. It is not being taken seriously in Jerusalem before the details are clarified, the networks mentioned. A senior Israeli official spoke to AFP, reiterating that it was not the "framework" Israel had previously agreed to, but he mentioned that the government was studying the proposal. "We have received the proposal and are reviewing it. It is not the framework that was agreed upon. We are examining it," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Celebrations were seen in the streets of Gaza after Hamas claimed to accept a ceasefire agreement. Watch this report: × Rafah evacuation order Despite Hamas saying it had approved the truce proposal, Israel's army late Monday reiterated its call for evacuations in Rafah. "We also call on residents this evening to evacuate," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a broadcast address after the Hamas announcement. Hagari added that "airforce aircraft targeted more than 50 terror targets in the Rafah area" throughout the day Monday. Fears are also looming over a possible invasion of Rafah, where more than one million people have sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, which will be catastrophic. Meanwhile, the UN rights chief said Monday that Israel's order for Palestinians to evacuate from eastern Rafah in Gaza is "inhumane" and warned that the offensive would push suffering and destruction beyond already "unbearable" levels. Volker Turk further said forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee to areas with almost no access to aid for survival was "inconceivable". Biden-Netanyahu talks The White House also said that Biden "reiterated his clear position" to Netanyahu after Israel defied US warnings and told Palestinians to evacuate part of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. It added that Netanyahu, meanwhile, "agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian assistance for those in need". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel cautions after Hamas says it accepts ceasefire proposal of Egypt and Qatar

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The war in Gaza is showing no signs of stopping hours after Hamas Rockets killed three IDF soldiers, Israel retaliated by striking Gaza's Southernmost city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli retaliates after Hamas kills 3 soldiers

Columbia University on Monday (May 6) announced that it has cancelled the main ceremony for graduating students next week amid the protests on campus by students over the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The prestigious university in the United States stated that it would "forego the university-wide ceremony that is scheduled for May 15" and hold a series of smaller events instead.&nbsp;

"We have decided to make the centerpiece of our commencement activities our Class Days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honoured individually alongside their peers, rather than the University-wide ceremony that is scheduled for May 15," Columbia said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-updates-ceasefire-negotiations-to-begin-in-qatar-today-718328">Israeli jets strike two Rafah areas ahead of ground invasion: Hamas</a>&nbsp;

Columbia called the past few weeks "incredibly difficult for our community" and further said that they are "determined to give our students the celebration they deserve and "smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families".&nbsp;

"We will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly. A great deal of effort is already underway to reach that goal," the university added.&nbsp;

The statement further added that the school consulted with student leaders in deciding how to handle graduation. The majority of the ceremonies, which had been set to take place on the Morningside Heights campus where most of the protests have taken place, will be moved to the university's main athletic complex.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-orders-of-nuclear-drills-response-to-unprecedented-comments-from-west-718498">Putin’s nuclear drills orders response to ‘unprecedented’ comments from West: Kremlin</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Protest at Columbia University&nbsp;</h2>

The violent protest at Columbia University drew national attention with former United States president Donald Trump even comparing it to the January 6 Capitol attack.&nbsp;

The protest at Columbia University inspired similar demonstrations at dozens of universities around the US, with students calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanding their schools divest from companies with ties to Israel.&nbsp;

New York City police cleared a Columbia campus building last week that had been barricaded by pro-Palestinian protesters, arresting more than 100 people and dismantling an encampment.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel moving ahead of Gaza offensive?

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Meanwhile, the White House said on Monday that US President Joe Biden will speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel's military called for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah ahead of an offensive in the southern Gaza city.&nbsp;

"We can't speak for IDF operations. We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the president will speak with the prime minister today," a spokesman for the National Security Council told the news agency AFP.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering.

"Those talks are ongoing now."&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Columbia University on Monday (May 6) announced that it has cancelled the main ceremony for graduating students next week amid the protests on campus by students over the ongoing war in Gaza.

Columbia University on Monday (May 6) announced that it has cancelled the main ceremony for graduating students next week amid the protests on campus by students over the ongoing war in Gaza. The prestigious university in the United States stated that it would "forego the university-wide ceremony that is scheduled for May 15" and hold a series of smaller events instead. "We have decided to make the centerpiece of our commencement activities our Class Days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honoured individually alongside their peers, rather than the University-wide ceremony that is scheduled for May 15," Columbia said in a statement. Also read: Israeli jets strike two Rafah areas ahead of ground invasion: Hamas Columbia called the past few weeks "incredibly difficult for our community" and further said that they are "determined to give our students the celebration they deserve and "smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families". "We will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly. A great deal of effort is already underway to reach that goal," the university added. The statement further added that the school consulted with student leaders in deciding how to handle graduation. The majority of the ceremonies, which had been set to take place on the Morningside Heights campus where most of the protests have taken place, will be moved to the university's main athletic complex. Also read: Putin’s nuclear drills orders response to ‘unprecedented’ comments from West: Kremlin Protest at Columbia University The violent protest at Columbia University drew national attention with former United States president Donald Trump even comparing it to the January 6 Capitol attack. The protest at Columbia University inspired similar demonstrations at dozens of universities around the US, with students calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanding their schools divest from companies with ties to Israel. New York City police cleared a Columbia campus building last week that had been barricaded by pro-Palestinian protesters, arresting more than 100 people and dismantling an encampment. Watch: Israel moving ahead of Gaza offensive? × Meanwhile, the White House said on Monday that US President Joe Biden will speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel's military called for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah ahead of an offensive in the southern Gaza city. "We can't speak for IDF operations. We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the president will speak with the prime minister today," a spokesman for the National Security Council told the news agency AFP. "We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. "Those talks are ongoing now." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Columbia University’s main graduation ceremony cancelled due to Gaza protests

On Sunday the Hezbollah staged its biggest attack so far on Israel firing more than 60 rockets at Northern Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Hezbollah says it fired Katyusha rockets at Israeli cities

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 - Xi Jinping arrives in France - No pressure can stop us: Israeli PM - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 | Xi Jinping arrives in France

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in Eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strip's Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. The order comes after a night of intense Israeli bombardment on Rafah. Hours after Hamas rockets killed three IDF soldiers. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Israel urges Gazans to move to expanded humanitarian area

Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The war in Gaza is showing no signs of stopping hours after Hamas Rockets killed three IDF soldiers, Israel retaliated by striking Gaza's Southernmost city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warns of Rafah operation

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strips Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel tells Gazans to leave eastern Rafah

Israel-Hamas war: Israel moving ahead with Rafah offensive?

Palestinian militant group Hamas has expressed concern over the temporary ceasefire and has informed mediators that it wants a permanent conclusion to the conflict. Israel’s military has confirmed the death of an Israeli man held hostage in Gaza. On the other hand - a senior Palestinian doctor has been killed in an Israeli prison after more than four months of detention. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas 'positively' studying Gaza ceasefire proposal

Israel’s military has confirmed the death of an Israeli man held hostage in Gaza. On the other hand - a senior Palestinian doctor has been killed in an Israeli prison after more than four months of detention. Dr. Avner Cohen, professor of nonproliferation and terrorism studies, Middlebury institute, joins us to discuss.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel confirms death of hostage held in Gaza

#Gravitas | War and peace are competing, it seems, to dominate the headlines. On one side, you have a conflict that is showing no signs of easing. On the other side, is a world scrambling hard to find some sort of peace. While Yemeni Houthis keep the Red Sea tensions alive, the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into Hamas and Israel's role in the Gaza War.

Israel Fears ICC May Indict Netanyahu | Houthis Attack 4 'Israeli' Ships

In a first, Houthi missiles have hit a commercial vessel in the Indian Ocean. The ship, MSC Orion, was en route Oman from Portugal. In March, the Houthis said they would be targeting Israel-linked ships in the Indian Ocean and near the Cape of Good Hope. What does this mean for countries in the Indian Ocean? What does this mean for India that has been the most reliable security provider in the Indian Ocean?

Israel vs Gaza: Houthis bring the war to Indian Ocean | Are countries prepared?

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Israel-Hamas war: Three days of fuel left to sustain health services in Gaza: WHO

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